The Pacific League schedule for next season was announced on the 10th. The Softbank Hawks, who were crowned champions of Japan for the second consecutive year, will face the Rakuten Eagles in their opening game on March 26th.

Standing in the way of the champions, who are aiming for a fast start toward the first four consecutive league titles in franchise history, is their former starting catcher, Takuya Kai (34). After moving to The Giants in the 2024 offseason on a five-year free agent deal worth an estimated 1.5 billion yen total, he was moved to the Rakuten Eagles via a cash trade this offseason. For the veteran, whose vast experience and track record were highly valued and who decided to take on a new challenge in a new environment with three years remaining on his contract, the stage has been set for a perfect restart.

During his 14 years with the Softbank Hawks, he contributed to four consecutive Japan Series titles from 2017 to 2020, winning the Best Nine award three times and the Golden Glove award seven times. General Manager Kazuhisa Ishii highly praised him, stating he possesses a 'winner's mentality.' At his introductory press conference, the 34-year-old declared, 'Both the team and I are hungry for victory. I want to play baseball until the very end, until the Japan Series. I will do whatever it takes to win.' If he takes his place in the starting line-up behind the plate, even the champions will have no choice but to be on high alert.

Wearing the crimson red uniform, he returns to the Pacific League for the first time in three years with number 37, which was worn by Motohiro Shima (currently the Chunichi head coach), the main catcher who supported the team's first league title and Japan Series victory in 2013. During his time with The Giants, his only appearance against the Softbank Hawks in interleague play was one game in 2025, which ended in a 2-5 loss. If he can get revenge against his former team and secure his first win, it will be the best possible start to the 2027 season for the Rakuten Eagles as they aim to bounce back from last place.

◆ 2027 Opening Matchups ◆

Nippon-Ham vs Orix Buffaloes

Lotte vs Seibu Lions

Softbank Hawks vs. Rakuten Eagles